Hormone replacement therapy is not just for women. At a certain time in a man’s life, testosterone levels, among other hormones, will start to decline. Often, ongoing hormone replacement treatment may be needed to improve related symptoms and the overall health of aging men.
Signs and Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency in Men
Common symptoms of declining testosterone are low energy, low moods, decreased interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, and weight gain. You do not have to have all these symptoms to have suboptimal testosterone levels. It is important to seek treatment for restoring hormonal balance. Earlier intervention can enhance your life’s quality while addressing underlying health issues.
A physician can perform testing, such as serum-free and total testosterone, to identify low testosterone. To rule out other conditions, they suggest performing more tests.
By adopting a safe and efficient treatment that resembles how testosterone is produced inside your body, BHRT can be used to raise testosterone levels in the body. Research indicates a direct association between heart health and testosterone, which is the reason BHRT is advised for cardiovascular health.
The Basics of BHRT: What Men Need to Know
BHRT is a medical treatment that uses hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are extracted from plant sources, such as yams or soy, and processed to have a similar molecular structure to the hormones generated by the human endocrine system, whereas conventional replacement therapies employ synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormone therapy is made from the urine of pregnant horses, steroids, and other synthetic substances.
Testosterone, , and occasionally testosterone blockers are the primary hormones supported in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal imbalances that arise during andropause, the male counterpart of menopause, are frequently addressed with BHRT.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) produces hormones that are precisely like what the body generates and has fewer side effects and a more natural hormone balance than synthetic hormones.
Furthermore, BHRT aims to provide men with a more natural and personalized approach, tailoring treatment to an individual’s hormonal needs and reducing side effects associated with non-bioidentical hormones.
Tailoring BHRT to Individual Needs
At Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics, we provide tailored BHRT plans that consider individual factors such as age, health history, and specific hormonal imbalances. We conduct comprehensive assessments, which include testing all hormones including cortisol, DHEA, thyroid (panel not just screening), free and total testosterone, and Vitamin D. We aim for more youthful or optimal levels, not just “normal”. The tailored treatment plan allows for precise hormone dosage and minimizing side effects.
We ensure to continuously monitor patient response while making the necessary adjustments to optimize hormone levels. This customized approach will ensure that BHRT aligns with everyone’s unique needs and characteristics, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy and promoting overall well-being.
The treatment plan uses a variety of delivery techniques, including:
- Testosterone Injections: Because injections produce results quickly, direct hormone administration—such as testosterone—allows for exact dosing.
- Hormone Pellet Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Tiny pellets filled with bioidentical hormones—typically testosterone—are injected under the skin. The hormones in these pellets are released gradually over several months, so the body’s levels remain constant.
- Topical Creams and Gels: When applied topically, these creams and gels facilitate the skin’s ability to absorb hormones such as testosterone, offering an easy way to distribute the medication.
Common Conditions Treated with Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy may have health benefits for men who experience hormonal imbalances. These common conditions are:
- Low testosterone: Include symptoms such as low libido, mood swings, exhaustion, diminished muscular mass, and cognitive problems.
- Male menopause or andropause: This is caused by a drop in testosterone levels due to aging.
- Thyroid disorders: You may experience changes in weight, weariness, and mood swings.
- Adrenal imbalances: The production of cortisol by the adrenal glands affects metabolism and the stress response.
- DHEA deficiency: Insufficient DHEA causes weariness, mood swings, and a weakened immune system.
BHRT contributes to healthy aging in men by addressing hormonal changes. Testosterone declines as men age, which leads to various symptoms.
Restore Your Male Hormone Levels to Optimal Level
At Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics, Dr. Robertson will develop a personalized bioidentical hormone replacement plan that works best for you. She is trained in numerous different ways to deliver hormones so the plan can be catered to an individual. The focus is on BHRT which simply means you are putting hormones back into your body at a more youthful level. Synthetic or chemical hormones are avoided since they are foreign to your body and often come with health risks not associated with BHRT.
Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
A hormone imbalance can cause an array of health issues. Correcting the hormonal imbalance by optimizing hormone levels may offer the following benefits:
- Your energy levels will increase;
- Increase sex drive and libido; better erections
- Weight management;
- Better focus and concentration;
- Rebuild muscle mass and bone density;
- Cardiovascular health;
- Improve sleep quality;
- Enhance mood and cognitive function
Testosterone Treatment To Promote Healthy Me
Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics provides a l range of alternative hormone replacement therapy methods, including creams, gels, pills, injections, and implanted pellets. The pros and cons of each will be discussed.
Side Effects of Hormone Therapy for Men
You might experience that some of the side effects are worse at the start of the treatment, however, they will settle down after a couple of weeks or months, depending on the type of therapy you receive.
The most common side effects if they occur are mild acne and mild fluid retention.
It is important to note that the side effects can vary widely from patient to patient. We carefully adjust your hormone dosage based on several biological characteristics, medical history, age, weight, and lab results to reduce possible side effects.
Embrace Renewed Vitality: Your Path to Balanced Health
Dr Rachel Robertson, owner of Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics since 2004, is a leading expert in the field of anti-aging and regenerative medicine.
Likewise, Dr Robertson has a proven track record of helping her male patients achieve powerful results using bioidentical hormone therapy replacement.
We use a balanced approach to holistic health and treatment, treating the whole person.
If you want to look and feel like the best version of yourself, contact us today.
